Love Notions Lincoln Top~ Making it Longer

….A Mini Pattern Hack Blog Post

I don’t know about you~ but I’m ready to sew for Spring. I always like to add a few transitional pieces to my closet this time of year. Things I can wear now and right into the warmer weather. This time last year, I tested the Lincoln Top pattern from Love Notions. I fell in love with this pattern because of the cute button side detail and that it’s a pretty quick sew.

Last year, one of the testers made a longer version of the Lincoln Top and I’ve wanted to make one ever since. Have you made a Lincoln Top yet? Use my code SEWMARY10 to get an additional 10% off.

Details/Modifications

When I saw this Cream and Navy cotton lycra double knit from Surge Fabrics, I knew it was destined to become a “Coastal Grandma” style Lincoln. This fabric is has great stability, which works perfectly for the diagonal button sides. I succeeded in getting the nautical look I was going for by adding these vintage metal anchor buttons I found on Etsy.

To create this Lincoln, I simply lengthened it by 3 inches. It’s just a matter of using the lengthen and shorten lines on the front and back pattern pieces. With patterns like the Lincoln, you can’t just add additional length to the bottom because of the unusual style lines of the sides and bottom. If a pattern includes lengthen and shorten lines, always use these to make your adjustments.

• Trace or cut out your paper pattern pieces (front and back)
• Cut along the lengthen/shorten lines
• Spread pattern the desired amount (I chose 3″, but 2″ would work nicely as well)
• Attach the top and bottom of the front(and then repeat for the back) to paper or pattern tracing cloth
• Following the angle of the side, draw a new side seam using a ruler
• Use button placement guide to adjust button placement if needed.

Construction Changes

When making this Lincoln, I did change the order of construction as follows:

Follow instructions as written for the front and back side plackets.

• Sew shoulder seams
• Attach neck binding. (I always prefer to do this before sewing my side seams)
• Sew side seams. (I simply found it easier to manipulate this without the sleeves attached)
• Attach sleeves.
• Finish by following pattern directions

If you are pear shaped like me, sizing can be a bit tricky for the Lincoln Top. Visit my detailed blog post HERE for advice on selecting your size along with some really great sewing tips. This blog post contains all the details on the two Lincoln Tops below.

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Thanks for stopping by! I truly appreciate all of you that visit!  If you enjoyed this blog post, consider subscribing to my blog to stay up to date with all my posts!  

MaryAnne 🙂

Remember to follow me over on Instagram to see all my latest makes!  @sewmarymac

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You can grab the Lincoln Top pattern HERE.

This is an affiliate link. It costs you nothing to purchase from this link, it just helps fund my fabric addiction which allows me to test and review more patterns.

To receive an additional 10% off the pattern price, use this coupon code SEWMARY10. This coupon code can be used at anytime on any pattern….even a $5 Feature Friday pattern. My code does change quarterly, so please always check the newest blog post for an update if you find a code isn’t working.

Fabric Resources

The Ivory and Navy Stripe double knit (Ponte) featured, as well as the teal quilted knit are both from Surge Fabrics. Both of these fabrics were perfect for the Lincoln.

Ivory and Navy stripe cotton spandex ponte

Quilted Knit~ available in several colors

The color blocked Ivory and Navy version I made last year during testing was made from a cable double knit purchased from JoAnn Fabrics a few years ago.